After a disastrous 2024-25 NBA season, Paul George is looking to get back on track this season.
Paul George is still recovering from a surgery he had in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout.
The nine-time NBA All-Star is coming off a career-worst season and he won’t be ready for the start of the Philadelphia 76ers training camp.
But he hasn’t ruled out being ready for the team’s season opener on October 22 against the Boston Celtics.
Paul George says Nick Nurse is counting on him to be ‘another voice to kind of help the young guys’
George signed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the 76ers in the summer of 2024.
Last season, George only played in 41 games and he struggled mightily.
However, ahead of the new season George is focused on being a good leader. He revealed during 76ers media day that head coach Nick Nurse is counting on him to be a mentor to the young players.
“I had a great convo with Nick two days ago on, just teaching the tricks of the trades that I’ve been taught and through experiences in games of what I’ve learned and picked up and he’s counting on me.
“He’s relying on me to kind of help the young guys. Whether it’s working on how to get open or defensive concepts or just being in the right places, he’s counting on me to kind of be another voice to kind of help the young guys.
“So, yeah, that means a lot to me, for coach to have that trust in me to kind of help the young guys.”
The Philadelphia 76ers are not putting a timeline for the return of Paul George and Joel Embiid
On paper, the 76ers have an extremely talented roster with Joel Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers have also gotten much younger with Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. However, for as good and versatile this group is, the 76ers’ championship hopes hinge on the health of Embiid and George.
President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has not given a timeline for when those two will return.
The 76ers are going to be extra cautious with Embiid, who wants to listen to his body, while George has said that he doesn’t think he will be a part of the start of the 76ers’ training camp.
76ers fans have to continue to remain patient as they hope the team can stay healthy this season.
